Washington County 4-H hosts a summer of fun and educational activities

CHIPLEY - While summer is usually a time for kids to relax and take it easy, kids enrolled in Washington County 4-H’s summer camps experienced fun and educational activities where they learned exciting new things.

Falling Waters State Park once again hosted 4-H Eco-Camp where youth learned “What’s the Buzz on Bees?” through curriculum provided by the Florida Department of Agriculture.  Instructed by Roulhac Middle School science staff, Greta Draayom and Cindy Padgett, kids experienced hands-on instruction in ecology related to bees, the importance of pollination and insect identification. 

Research shows that youth engaged in hands-on science activities have a higher retention rate of information.  This fits hand in hand with the 4-H motto of “Learn by Doing.” 

Park Specialist, Scott Sweeny, also lent his expertise in the importance of maintaining native plant species and identifying non-native/invasive species.  He also taught youth about prescribed burns conducted in state parks and demonstrated how a prescribed burn is conducted.  Youth were most excited about Sweeney’s presentation on non-venomous snakes and breeding for genetic traits.

Thirty-eight youth from Washington County spent a week at 4-H Camp Timpoochee on the Choctawhatchee Bay in Niceville. 

Camping experiences not only provide youth with environmental education experiences but also provide them with the opportunity to live in a community setting practicing independence, decision-making skills, team building and leadership skills – all essential elements of the National 4-H Program. 

While at camp, youth learned marine science, kayaking, snorkeling, line dancing, archery and learned to use Global Positioning Satellite devices.  The final evening of camp, a dance is held followed by a candle lighting ceremony where all campers  get to share their most memorable camp experience.  After placing their candle in the shape of the 4-H clover, the clover is floated out onto the bay and disappears signifying the end of the camp week.

In August, youth experienced a day camp called “It’s All About the Bags” where beginner and advanced sewers came together to create totes, purses and bags.  Led by 4-H Volunteer, Andrea Locke, youth created four different bags using different sewing techniques.  This life skill is one that youth can take with them into adulthood. 

The youth also practiced decision-making skills and measuring skills as well as working together with a mentor to help them finish their projects.  4-H members Malinda Locke, Jessie Owen and Aleyah Spears worked one on one with beginning sewers to assist them and make their experience a positive one.

Youth were also part of the “Weird Science” day camp where 4-H Agent, Julie Pigott Dillard, conducted a wide array of science experiments.  From creating plastic “worms” using common chemicals found in everyday food products, to illustrating water absorbing polymers, to making custom slime, to the finale of the chemical and physical properties needed to make the spectacular Mentos/Diet Coke experiment, youth took part in 10 different experiments to broaden their scientific knowledge.

The final day camp of the summer, “Creative Expressions,” allowed youth to explore their creativity through creating jewelry project using a Cricut machine.  Led by Andrea Locke, youth made five jewelry projects and three Cricut projects.

For more information on the Washington County 4-H program, which is open to all youth in Washington County regardless of race, gender or religion, contact 4-H Agent, Julie Pigott Dillard at 638-6180. 

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